You should email CR and ask.
I have a concern with having ordered the new RX after seeing the side crash video this week. The RX almost flips after being hit in the side standing still. I have never observed that in a side crash video before. However, I will not back out of the deal I have made. It's no fault of the dealer.

 

the NHTSA isnt the standard to go by, IIHS is. and IIHS gave the '10 RX top safety pick, with 5 stars across the board

 

Yes, it did get 5 stars. I am happy about that, but the vedio still speaks for itself. As we all know flipping over is the glass jaw of these vehicles.

 

"I checked the instant readout meter you can scroll to and with cruise at 70 MPH, it was hovering around 34 mpg it appeared. "

Cruiter (Jim), in my test drive (see the RX450h forum for details) this afternoon on ours that just arrived at the dealer this morning, I could swear I was averaging at least 35 mpg (distance of 30 miles or so) by the looks of the bar graph. So, it is interesting that our experiences match pretty well so far. We are leaving very early Friday morning for Seattle (flying) and the car will remain at the dealer until we return on July 6. I was promised that it will be safe and sound until we pick it up.

 

Enjoy your trip. It will be interesting over time to compare notes. I'm retired and a very light mileage driver so I imagine your miles will pack on faster. I only had 60800 on our '03 model.

My wife has Alzheimer's and rarely express much anymore but today she decided the car needs to be named 'Ms Lexi'. I guess I can honor her with that favor. She doesn't remember much any more either but last night and tonight she asked to go for a ride in it. That's the power of 'h'

 

I am very sorry to hear about your wife. If she enjoys the car I too would be at the dealership waiting for delivery checkbook in hand. I hope you both get many miles of joy and safe travel out of your new ride. My dealership tells me they are dealing with customers with Alzheimer's at least once a week. It's such a cruel disease. It's hard to believe how many families it effects now.

 

yes, if the RX can make a lasting impression, its a keeper

 

Higher center of gravity = greater chance of a rollover. Pretty much a known constant and it isn't unique to the RX.

 

Yes, the RX did perform uniquely. I did not observe the same behavior in the BMW, Mercedes, or Volvo. I wish Lexus would get more serious about safety, but I don't think that's a major interests with a Lexus buyer like it is with say a Volvo buyer.

 

honestly, i think the almost tipping was unique to that test. if you look at the video more closely, the car comes at an angle, and not straight on.

this is the old RX coming from a straight on angle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icXca...eature=related

and looks at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdHIWjCP4yM
the windows didnt even shatter!

 

Pretty interesting video... Wish we can get RX10's soon.

 

I worry more about a flip over more than I do windows shattering. I'm still concerned at how the vehicle almost flips yet I don't see the BMW, Mercedes, or Volvo doing this. We will not be able to pick the angle of the other car in real life. What we see in the video is what can happen to us on any given day. A little effort could have made this a safer vehicle. I would gladly pay more for safety; proven by my trying to order the VDIM system that Lexus would not let me have on our packages of choice. I had to go through heaven and earth just to get the Pre Collision System, yet I am sure a rear entertainment system can be had in any option configuration.
In my opinion when Lexus gets serious about safety they will have finally matched the Germans in producing a world class car. Until then we will run a close second.

 

It's an SUV. By the nature of the beast, all SUV's are more prone than sedans to roll as the weight is higher off the ground. That said, for an SUV, and one that I'm driving (450h), it's a far cry safer than my '03 RX300. And it was what started the current SUV revolution with car like suspension. If you get the (h) model, you won't have a choice, VDIM is standard on that.

 

i showed you those videos of the 2nd generation RX in a side crash test, and notice they did not even hint at flipping over. The point here is that the flipping was done by NHTSA and we do not know the exact condition. I guess we will have to wait and see IIHS videos of the side crash test.

 

I so hope it doesn't do worse in the IIHS test. The NHTSA video is scary enough.